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Michael Costa
You're listening to Comedy Central from the most trusted journalists at Comedy Central. It's America's only source for news. This is the Daily show with your host, Michael Costa. Yes, welcome. Welcome to the Daily Show. I'm Michael Costa. We've got so much to talk about tonight. New press secretary who dissed Taylor Swift is going to the super bowl, and the January Sixers have a new hobby. But first, let's get to the latest news in the Trump administration in another edition of the Second coming of Donald J. Trump. I'm gonna come. Today was the first press conference for Donald Trump's secretary, Caroline Levitt. And if you assume she was a pretty white lady with a noticeable cross necklace, you were right. And of course, she was Trump's press secretary during the campaign, but that was all about trashing Joe Biden. Now she's in an elevated position representing the White House, and she's here to talk about what the administration is going to do moving forward.
Ronny Chieng
When Joe Biden was in the Oval Office or upstairs in the resident sleeping, I'm not so sure.
Michael Costa
Oh, shit. Didn't you see that coming? Did you, old man? Huh? Mailed your sleepy ass. But seriously, you get one. All right, so let's move forward today. Everyone wants to know about the federal spending freeze that Trump's been doing. So what's that about?
Ronny Chieng
We've seen the Biden administration spend money like drunken sailors.
Michael Costa
Oh, boom. Drunken sailors. Everyone knows they spent so much money. All right, that's two digs at Joe Biden. Get it out of your system. All right? Now, I don't want to hear anything else about Joe Biden.
Ronny Chieng
The Biden administration and the Department of Agriculture directed the mass killing of more than 100 million chickens.
Michael Costa
My God. 100 million chickens. Do you even know how many chickens that is? We've got to bring this man to justice. If you see a man in aviator sunglasses driving a Corvette 15 to 20 miles an hour, that man is Joe the chicken butcher Biden. The police have issued an APB for his arrest and to save time, a silver alert. Now, Biden's gonna say he killed those chickens because of bird flu, but that is no excuse, okay? And it's not okay to just kill unless you bread them, you fry them, put them between two pieces of white bread, put two pickles on top. Mm. That's lunch. What was I talking about? Let's move on. Let's move on. Because while the press was attending the roast of Joe Biden, Donald Trump was busy getting our military in shape. So he can finally fulfill our country's month old dream of conquering Greenland. And first, we're gonna need to have as many troops as possible. President Trump has signed several executive orders to reshape the military, including directive banning transgender service members. Okay, did I say as many troops? I mean, fewer troops, right? You know what they say in the army. Less is more. Look, maybe they don't say that. I don't know, but that's. Look, I don't have a problem with transgender soldiers. As someone who pees himself anytime he hears a loud noise, I think we should be grateful to anyone who's willing to put their life on the line so I don't have to. But hey, yeah, okay, but I'm open minded about being closed minded. So what's the issue here? President Trump signed an executive order calling transgender people unfit to serve.
Ronny Chieng
One part says being transgender is, quote, not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member.
Michael Costa
Another says being trans conflicts with, quote, an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in one's personal life. Yeah, well, look, you know, it makes sense that the military has to be honorable, truthful, and disciplined. You know, sure, this is your secretary of Defense, but that's all the more reason. That's all the more reason that the rest of them have to have their shit together. It's like how every Beatles album had to be packed with hits to make up for that one song that Ringo wrote about wanting to an octopus or whatever. I gotta say, the military sure has a lot of ethical rules for their mission of killing people. Hey, you wanna blow some guy's head off, you better say please and thank. But to be fair, Trump had another argument against trans soldiers as well. They specifically cite readiness with transition surgeries. If you have a transition surgery, the recovery time and the narcotics that you have to be on as part of the process could affect your readiness for up to 12 months. Oh, up to 12 months. Do you know how long our wars last? I think they'll have you back in the game in no time. Vietnam War, 11 years. Afghanistan War, 20 years. Even our storage wars last 15 seasons. First of all, transgender people make up 0.1% of the military. So, commander in chief, you're ruining the lives of people who are dedicated to serving America while doing nothing to affect the larger military. I don't see why a transition surgery should affect readiness more than any other surgery. Trump is acting like they're doing transition surgeries on the front lines. Medic. I need a medic over here. We gotta get this Guy a labia, stat. Also, what do you mean, readiness? Modern war is just telling a drone to drop bombs. Pretty sure it doesn't matter what your sex is to go like this. That's how they drop bombs. But Trump isn't just doing bad things to good people. He's also doing good things to bad people. It's been a week since he pardoned everyone who had a normal tourist visit to the Capitol on January 6th. And I'm sure they're making the most of their second chance, right? A man pardoned by President Trump for his role in the January 6 riot was shot and killed by an Indiana deputy during a traffic stop. Okay, well, except for that guy. I mean, that guy really wasted a presidential pardon. Am I. You know, look, if I ever get a presidential pardon, I'll tell you. I'll tell you what I'm not gonna do. I'm not gonna get shot to death. So what exactly happened there? Police say the deputy tried to arrest Matthew Huddle on Sunday, but he resisted, and the deputy shot him. Investigators say Huddle had a gun. A routine traffic stop ending in the police shooting a man they claimed had a gun. Ordinarily, this is the kind of thing liberals would cry police brutality, but if it's a January 6th, sir, you know, I have a feeling they're going to be like, look, we need to back the blue on. Liberals are getting so much whiplash trying to decide if this cop is bad or good. Rachel Maddow is going to be in a neck brace. But aside from the ones who are dead, all the rest of the January 6 rioters who Trump released from prison must be so happy right now. Houston authorities are trying to find a.
Ronny Chieng
Man pardoned by Donald Trump for his.
Michael Costa
Role in the January 6th riots.
Ronny Chieng
Andrew Take is wanted for a 2016.
Michael Costa
Charge of a solicitation of a minor. Okay, well, not that guy also. But stop. But look, any group as large as the January 6th crowd is going to have one sex creep in it. You know, there's probably one in our audience right now. Raise your hand if you're a sex creep. That guy in the plaid shirt. That woman. Sir, come on. The point is, all the rest of the pardoners, they're doing fine.
Lil Rel Howery
A Mint Hill man who pleaded guilty.
Michael Costa
To his involvement in January 6th is possibly facing other charges. Court documents show David Daniel is facing child pornography charges. Wait, wait, wait. What? I'm starting to worry that the people who broke into the Capitol and took a shit on Nancy Pelosi's desk are not upstanding Citizens. You know what? Forget about those two pedophiles. Andrew Kyle Grigsby of Louisville, who was pardoned for spraying Capitol Police with bear spray, is currently incarcerated in a Kentucky prison for two counts of child pornography. Jesus Christ. At this point, it might have been better for them just to stay in prison. You know, at least then they were heroes. Now they're all going to individual prisons for child pornography, like so. Do you guys have a choir? For more on the fallout of these January 6th, we turn to Troy Iwata. It seems like, Troy. It seems like a lot of these people who got pardons have other problems with the law.
Troy Iwata
Yes, Michael, I don't want to overgeneralize, but it does seem like 100% of them are sex criminals.
Michael Costa
Okay, that does seem like an overgeneralization.
Troy Iwata
It does, doesn't it? You know, that's like saying all trans people are unfit to serve in the military. It's ridiculous.
Michael Costa
Okay, okay. Well, how are. Well, how are the police gonna recapture these people who are wanted for sex crimes?
Troy Iwata
Oh, I don't think the police would waste their time on these silly predators. But, hey, random, did you know they're certifying Joe Biden as president again? Right in the Capitol building over there. It would be a shame if any January 6ers stormed in there to stop him from taking power.
Michael Costa
That looks like a prison.
Troy Iwata
No, no, no. This is the U.S. capitol, obviously. And they are about to certify Joe Biden right over there, just past those heavy barred doors of the Capitol that lock from the outside.
Michael Costa
Troy, is this an elaborate sting to catch the child predators that did January 6th?
Troy Iwata
Shut the up, Costa. Okay, this is a very real thing that's happening. Ooh, ooh, look, look. There's Mike Pence just walking around with his neck fully exposed.
Michael Costa
And.
Troy Iwata
Oh, no, A whole bus just broke down, and it's full of junior cheerleaders. Will no one help them?
Michael Costa
Come on, Troy. Troy, they're not gonna. They're not gonna buy that.
Troy Iwata
You're right, Michael. The people who thought the election was stolen can't be tricked. Oh, my God. Nancy Pelosi's desk just walked by and it's looking clean. It would be a shame if someone reshat on it.
Michael Costa
Troy, her desk just walked by.
Troy Iwata
It did. Alongside Hunter Biden and the whole cast of High School the the Series. And all of them. Want to try this Mike's Hard Lemonade Fun. You better get down here, Patriots. Cause their parents won't be home until morning.
Michael Costa
Well, good luck, Troy. Troy Iwata. Everybody, when we come back, we go to war with sports. So don't go away. Welcome back to the Daily Show. I think I speak for everyone when I say politics drools, but sports rules. For a full recap of the biggest stories in the world of jocks and straps, we turn to sports war. Get ready for battle. It's time for open school, brought to you by gambling gambler. Fiscal responsibility is for pussy. Oh. What's up, numb nuts?
Roy Chan
I'm Roy Chan.
Michael Costa
And I'm Michael the Raw Dog Costa. And this is sportswar. The show where we are legally not allowed to agree with each other.
Roy Chan
That's right. So if I say football games should only be played indoors, then I say.
Michael Costa
Every game should be played. Like that scene in Top Shirtless, on the beach and in slow motion.
Roy Chan
All right, but let's get to the biggest story in sports right now. We got an NFL super bowl rematch for the ages. Philadelphia Eagles vs. The Kansas City Chiefs. And that means all of our attention will be on one thing. Taylor Swift.
Michael Costa
The Kansas City Chiefs are headed to their third straight super bowl after defeating the Buffalo Bills.
Ronny Chieng
As the confetti fell. Taylor Swift joined in on the celebration, sharing a kiss with boyfriend Travis Kelce.
Michael Costa
Just do a little dance, make a little love.
Ronny Chieng
Sports betting sites, they're already coming up with prop bets. Like, how many times will you see her? What outfit will she have on? There's some gutsier ones, like, will Travis Kelce propose?
Lil Rel Howery
Hell, yeah.
Michael Costa
Love is in the air. And I just spent all my heart medication money on it. Now, if Travis doesn't go down on one knee, he'll break two hearts. If Travis pops the question, I'm popping bobbles. In fact, I'm doubling down on a pregnancy parlay in November.
Roy Chan
Okay, hey, you don't know a thing about love, Kosta. That's why it's so easy for me to catfish you into thinking I was a busty 25 year old from Ukraine.
Michael Costa
Wrong again. I knew it was you the whole time. And I'm in love with you. What we have is real. Besides, I needed something to bet on since the NFL rigged the game for the Chiefs.
Roy Chan
Okay, look, the NFL is not rigged for the Chiefs. It comes down to talent, okay? It's like calling this show rigged just because I win every argument. Okay? I got the brains of Bill Belichick, and you look like the son of Forrest Gump.
Michael Costa
Well, Mama always says Ronny Chieng's a huge piece of shit. Which. Which brings us to our NFL Big game bet of the week. Now, Ideally, we can't say the name of the big game in a bet or the NFL will sue us. But I can present you my super bowl. Spelled differently Bet of the Week. Will the NFL declare the Chiefs winners before the start of the second quarter? Brought to you by gambling. Gambling? You don't even have to know a shady Italian guy to do it anymore.
Roy Chan
Now, look, the game won't all be about stupid love stories. The Chiefs will be taking on the Eagles, and Philly is already practicing for a victory celebration.
Ronny Chieng
Philadelphia's Eagles fans spilled onto the streets celebrating their big win.
Lil Rel Howery
This was the scene as tens of.
Michael Costa
Thousands packed Broad Street. Philadelphia's mayor, Sherrelle Parker, tried to fire up fans. She led a chant spelling the team's name. Eagles. Let me hear you all say E, L, G, S, E, S. Eagles, let's go. First, you're out of the spelling bee. Now step aside and watch an Indian kid crush your dreams. This kind of behavior is exactly why the Eagles don't deserve another championship. Their fans don't even care enough about the team to spell their name right. Even Ronnie can spell Eagles, and he can't even speak English. All right.
Roy Chan
I wish I didn't speak English. My life would be so much better if I couldn't understand you. This is exactly why I love the Eagles. Even their fans have cte. The last time the Eagles won the Super Bowl, a fan voluntarily ate horseshit to celebrate, even though no one asked them to do it. Okay. Meanwhile, the streets of New York City are filled to the brim with horseshit because it's been so long since either New York team won a Super Bowl. So please win already so Costa can start licking these streets clean. Which brings us to the Ronnie's soup or bowl bet of the week. Which animal species can I trick Costa into eating? Brought to you by gambling. Gambling. Home ownership is a burden.
Michael Costa
All right, stop laughing. Let's move on from the NFL to a story none of you have seen, because it's about hockey.
Ronny Chieng
The Washington Capitals escaped with a 32 road win over the Oilers last night in a game that Capitals goalie Logan Thompson might argue should not have been so close. That's because Thompson says he was distracted by a tray of nachos on the ice as he gave up a goal in the third period. Who among us, really? The nachos, having been tossed onto the ring by a fan, did not interfere with Oilers players as they skated into the Capitol and took the shot from a few feet from the discarded snack.
Roy Chan
Wow, these athletes have become so Soft. They're getting their ass whipped by nachos. Hey, let hockey fans be part of the game and throw whatever they want on the rink, okay? Popcorn, divorce papers, their most aerodynamic children. You brought them to a hockey game. You're already a bad father, man.
Michael Costa
Shut your pucking mouth, Ronnie, all right? These nachos created a dangerous situation for players who should have been focused on beating the teeth out of each other. Plus, it's really hard to do your job when a stupid, annoying piece of trash is in your peripheral vision. In that analogy, Ronnie, you are the wet, cold trash. Nachos. Boom. The raw dog is killing it tonight. How's that, raw dog? Costa queso tasting. Which brings us to our Michael Kosta's super bowel bet of the night. How many people would mourn if Ronnie slipped and drowned in a vat of N Cheese? As always, brought to you by gambling. Gambling? Your mom's ATM pin is probably your birthday.
Roy Chan
All right, well, that's all the time we have for today. Join us next week when we debate if a tie really is as bad as kissing your sister.
Michael Costa
Well, I can tell you from personal experience, it's not nearly as hot.
Lil Rel Howery
How would you know that?
Michael Costa
Kiss your sister.
Roy Chan
Kiss your sister.
Michael Costa
Welcome back to the Daily Show. My guest tonight is a comedian and actor who stars in the new animated film Dogman. Please welcome Lil Rel Howery. Yes. Look at us. We're looking good.
Lil Rel Howery
No, you look great. I look cold.
Michael Costa
No, this movie's fun. This movie's fun. I mean, you've been performing for everybody for many, many years, but this is a kid's film.
Lil Rel Howery
Yeah.
Michael Costa
Tell me about knowing they're gonna be listening and watching you change up your strategy at all.
Lil Rel Howery
All I did was not curse.
Michael Costa
Same energy. Same. So in that clip, when the police chief is walking around with his hand doing. Are you doing that in the booth?
Lil Rel Howery
Am I, like, taking my hat off?
Michael Costa
No.
Lil Rel Howery
That's weird. Nah, I didn't do that.
Michael Costa
You see why I don't book a lot of animation? I sit in all my auditions, and I'm going like this.
Lil Rel Howery
Now, why did you bring props?
Michael Costa
It's voiceover. But you were told to bring some crazy extra noises.
Lil Rel Howery
I mean, that's with any of this stuff, because with kids, you gotta, like, be very, very, very, very animated.
Michael Costa
Yeah.
Lil Rel Howery
And my kids pick on me because they. So I guess as a dad, I'm usually pretty chill like this, but my kids say I got a performance voice, and so it's really irritating. They're like, dad, you know, around the House you like, hey, what's up? But then you on TV like, hey, I'm l'rel, everybody. I'm like, shut up.
Michael Costa
Are your kids. It doesn't matter what we do. Our kids.
Lil Rel Howery
Kids are so mean.
Michael Costa
Yeah. It's unbelievable. I kissed my daughter this morning and she says, get away from me with your poo poo breath. And lil, relax. She's 31 years old. Are your kids proud of Dogman? Are they older? Thank you, thank you. Are they. Are they proud of Dogman? Do they care?
Lil Rel Howery
Yeah, well, I read the books to them. They're teenagers now, so like, you know, they always excited about all the projects I do, but they're really excited. Cause like the chief character, once again, my kids are bullies. You know what I mean? So chief is a lot like me. Cause I'm always irritated. So my kids love laughing at me being irritated.
Michael Costa
Right?
Lil Rel Howery
So like when we go to dinner and somebody like messing my order and I gotta start making my face like, here you go. So like, yeah, I'm a lot like the chief character because of that.
Michael Costa
Yeah, they like when you get mad.
Lil Rel Howery
They love me being annoyed. It's just. It's annoying how much. And then they telling their friends, I'm like, got these group of teenagers all laughing at me, waiting on me to be annoyed.
Michael Costa
Right?
Lil Rel Howery
Yes, it's really. Feeneys are me or like 31 year olds out there. Say you have poopy birds, right?
Michael Costa
Terrible. I can't believe it. You read these. So I was unfamiliar, but I love this movie, so it made me laugh. A lot of little Easter eggs for adults as well in this film. But you read the book to some kids in the Bronx.
Lil Rel Howery
Yeah, I did.
Michael Costa
Tell me about that experience and how did they react? We have a couple pictures of that, I think. Look at you. Yeah, that's pretty great. He can read Amaz. No, that's.
Lil Rel Howery
But you know what I'm laughing at? Cause so I just turned 45 last time.
Michael Costa
Same.
Lil Rel Howery
Yeah. Thank you, brother.
Michael Costa
Yep. Nice.
Lil Rel Howery
And so as you can see, I have my glasses off because I'm at the age where like anything too close I can't see it. Cause I do have the glasses where they got the near sighted at the top and the farsighted at the bottom. And I was trying to be cool in front of the kids. So I wore like the ones that just the one prescription. And so I was like, dang, I gotta read and Right.
Michael Costa
It's not. Nothing is. So I fell off a curb two days ago. I sprained my Ankle.
Lil Rel Howery
I took. Oh, yeah, you gonna. Crutches? Yeah. I took the book out and I couldn't see it, so I had to take off the. Is this crazy when you gotta explain something about being 45 to 7 year olds who don't care?
Michael Costa
Right.
Lil Rel Howery
I was like, oh, yeah, you know. Cause I gotta take these off because I'm 45 years old and I can't see. I can see. Okay, what chapter are we on? They didn't care. They didn't care.
Michael Costa
Um.
Roy Chan
Who?
Michael Costa
So this. You don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but I did think about this when I was watching the film. Cause Dogman is half dog, half man.
Lil Rel Howery
Yeah.
Michael Costa
So who does he does. Does he. Does he humans? Does he dogs? And I promise you no other press is gonna ask you this. Oh, you guys didn't think. Nobody thought about.
Lil Rel Howery
Why y'all applauding this? Cause I didn't really answer this question now. Oh, you really wanted.
Michael Costa
No, you don't. It's just a thought. It's just a thought.
Lil Rel Howery
No, first of all, you sat there with the news anchor face like, yo, what's the answer?
Michael Costa
Right?
Lil Rel Howery
But it's weird. Cause that's a great, really dark question.
Michael Costa
And you're a stand up comic and so you appreciate. Yeah.
Lil Rel Howery
Cause I situations, I'm like, yeah, yeah, I'm scared. Well, I can't say what I want to think because we still doing press for this movie.
Michael Costa
But your standup, you've been doing stand up specials.
Lil Rel Howery
Yeah.
Michael Costa
And in this last special, well, you've talked openly about how vulnerable you've become in some of your stand up. And you spoke openly about some of the therapy you've tackled.
Lil Rel Howery
Oh, yeah, I love therapy.
Michael Costa
Tell me about it.
Lil Rel Howery
I love therapy. Give it up for therapy.
Michael Costa
You get therapy and you get therapy and you get therapy. Talk to me about the love of therapy. Because it's nice to have two men openly talking about therapy. Yes, it is.
Lil Rel Howery
There we go.
Michael Costa
And those are the women that are trying to bring us down. No.
Lil Rel Howery
You know something? It's changed my life in so many ways. I think it's made me a funnier comic because it's not everything from a very dark place anymore. I'm able to like just pretty much talk about anything. But therapy has been so beautiful. Like I'm at the happiest I've ever been. Cause I've been able to unpack things over time.
Michael Costa
So.
Lil Rel Howery
Yeah.
Michael Costa
You'Re a busy guy. Are you doing. Is it like phone therapy? Is it zoom? Are you In a. You know, on set, like, and this is the way it made me feel. And, you know, that type of thing.
Lil Rel Howery
And then a PA knocking. Hey, hey.
Michael Costa
Time.
Lil Rel Howery
I do both, actually. It depends on what my scheduling is. Cause I do like going in person. It's just in person, it's always so crazy because, like, especially if you've been crying a little bit, it's, like, awkward when you leave. Like, you could tell the therapist wants you to go. Cause it's tired. They keep doing this. Yeah, yeah, but you like this. And so they like. Yeah, so. So.
Michael Costa
I get the. I get the Zell request for payment. As I'm, like, shutting the door behind, I'm like, oh, really? It's that transactional? I have to tell you that whenever my wife and I travel and something happens to one of us at tsa, I had a little pocket knife, and they took it. Or the bottle of water.
Lil Rel Howery
Wait, wait, wait.
Michael Costa
What?
Lil Rel Howery
You brought a pocket knife?
Michael Costa
Yeah. Yeah. I didn't know it was there. I'm always armed. I got a bunch of crazy people. No, I had a little knife I bought upstate New York that I loved, and then I left it in my backpack, and it got taken. That's not the story here. The story here is that whenever TSA interrupts us, we always say your line from get out, which is, they're the TS A. They handle shit. And I just want to know that you're in my life. You're in my marriage. I mean, that's weird, but you know what? You know what I mean? I love that film. Tell me a little bit about get out for the get out fans and that character. And it's.
Lil Rel Howery
You know, I'll say this especially having a tagline. It's not too many times you could do a movie where you have like, this was my yippee ki yay mother. So to have TS Motherfucker is still, like, one of my favorite. But I hate when I do go to the airport. And I always thought I have favor after doing a movie. Like, oh, yeah, they don't look out for me. And they'll be like, oh, yeah, TS hey, take your shoes off.
Michael Costa
Thank you very much for coming. Dogman will be in the theaters everywhere January 35th. Lil Ron Howard. We're gonna take a quick break and be right back after this. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it. That's our show for tonight. Now here it is, your moment of Zen. And now they're resorting to what, Telling us that Trump supporters can't eat Mexican food?
Ronny Chieng
If you voted for Trump.
Michael Costa
You are not allowed in Mexico. No tacos, no enchiladas. None of that for you. Oh, yeah? What are you gonna do? Will you come take it out of my ham? Explore more shows from the Daily show podcast universe by searching the Daily Show. Wherever you get your podcasts, watch the Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount plus Paramount Podcasts.
The Daily Show: Ears Edition – January 29, 2025
Hosted by Michael Costa and produced by iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Podcasts, this episode of "The Daily Show: Ears Edition" delves into pressing political issues, controversial pardons, and the intersection of sports and pop culture, culminating in an engaging interview with comedian and actor Lil Rel Howery.
a. Introduction of Caroline Levitt as Press Secretary
The episode opens with host Michael Costa discussing the first press conference of Donald Trump's newly appointed press secretary, Caroline Levitt. Levitt, portrayed as a quintessentially traditional figure with a noticeable cross necklace, has transitioned from a campaign role focused on criticizing Joe Biden to a more elevated position in the White House.
Michael Costa [00:01]: "Today was the first press conference for Donald Trump's secretary, Caroline Levitt."
b. Federal Spending Freeze and Biden Administration Critique
Costa and co-host Ronny Chieng critique President Biden's fiscal policies, mocking the administration's spending habits. They compare Biden's spending to "drunken sailors," emphasizing the perceived extravagance.
Ronny Chieng [01:49]: "We've seen the Biden administration spend money like drunken sailors."
c. Mass Killing of Chickens Under Biden
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the Biden administration's decision to cull over 100 million chickens in response to bird flu. Costa humorously exaggerates the impact, painting Biden as a negligent figure.
Michael Costa [02:10]: "If you see a man in aviator sunglasses driving a Corvette 15 to 20 miles an hour, that man is Joe the chicken butcher Biden."
d. Trump's Executive Orders on Transgender Military Ban
The conversation shifts to President Trump's executive orders aimed at reshaping the military, specifically the ban on transgender service members. Costa and Chieng analyze the justifications provided by the administration, highlighting perceived contradictions and the minimal impact on the overall military.
Michael Costa [04:07]: "Another says being trans conflicts with, quote, an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle."
Ronny Chieng [04:27]: "Transgender people make up 0.1% of the military. So, commander in chief, you're ruining the lives of people who are dedicated to serving America while doing nothing to affect the larger military."
e. Aftermath of Trump's Pardons for January 6 Participants
Costa addresses the fallout from Trump's pardons of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. He highlights cases where pardoned individuals are facing new charges, particularly sex crimes, questioning the efficacy and morality of the pardons.
Michael Costa [07:42]: "Andrew Take is wanted for a 2016 charge of a solicitation of a minor."
Troy Iwata [09:33]: "Yes, Michael, I don't want to overgeneralize, but it does seem like 100% of them are sex criminals."
a. Super Bowl Rematch: Eagles vs. Chiefs and Taylor Swift’s Involvement
Transitioning to sports, Costa introduces a segment focused on the upcoming Super Bowl rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. A notable subplot is Taylor Swift's relationship with Chiefs' star Travis Kelce, which becomes a focal point for both fans and sports betting enthusiasts.
Roy Chan [12:56]: "We got an NFL super bowl rematch for the ages. Philadelphia Eagles vs. The Kansas City Chiefs. And that means all of our attention will be on one thing. Taylor Swift."
b. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Pop Culture Meets Sports
The hosts humorously speculate on potential outcomes of Swift and Kelce's relationship, incorporating betting jargon and playful banter.
Michael Costa [13:26]: "If Travis pops the question, I'm popping bobbles. In fact, I'm doubling down on a pregnancy parlay in November."
Roy Chan [13:51]: "That's exactly why the Eagles don't deserve another championship. Their fans don't even care enough about the team to spell their name right."
c. Philadelphia Eagles Fans and Celebration Antics
The discussion shifts to the fervent Philadelphia Eagles fanbase, their celebrations, and the city’s lingering enthusiasm from their last Super Bowl win. Costa mocks the fans’ antics, emphasizing the city's prolonged wait for another championship.
Lil Rel Howery [15:14]: "Thousands packed Broad Street. Philadelphia's mayor, Sherrelle Parker, tried to fire up fans."
Michael Costa [15:53]: "The last time the Eagles won the Super Bowl, a fan voluntarily ate horseshit to celebrate, even though no one asked them to."
d. Washington Capitals’ Post-Game Nacho Incident
Highlighting another sports mishap, the hosts recount a hockey game where nachos were thrown onto the ice, distracting players and affecting the outcome.
Ronny Chieng [16:45]: "The Washington Capitals escaped with a 32 road win over the Oilers last night... distracted by a tray of nachos on the ice."
Michael Costa [17:13]: "These nachos created a dangerous situation for players who should have been focused on beating the teeth out of each other."
a. Promotion of "Dogman" Animated Film
Lil Rel Howery appears as a guest to promote his new animated film, "Dogman." The discussion revolves around his transition to voice acting and the challenges of performing for a younger audience.
Michael Costa [19:11]: "We have our guest tonight, Lil Rel Howery. Please welcome Lil Rel Howery."
Lil Rel Howery [19:57]: "With kids, you gotta, like, be very, very, very, very animated."
b. Challenges of Voice Acting and Animation
Howery elaborates on his experience adapting his comedic style for animation, highlighting the need for heightened expressiveness to engage young viewers.
Lil Rel Howery [20:17]: "My kids love laughing at me being irritated."
c. The Role of Therapy in His Life and Comedy
The conversation takes a personal turn as Howery discusses the positive impact of therapy on his life and comedic approach, emphasizing vulnerability and personal growth.
Lil Rel Howery [24:26]: "It's changed my life in so many ways. I think it's made me a funnier comic because it's not everything from a very dark place anymore."
Michael Costa [24:11]: "You get therapy and you get therapy and you get therapy. Talk to me about the love of therapy."
d. Balancing Personal Challenges and Professional Life
Howery shares anecdotes about balancing his personal life, including his children's reactions to his work, with his professional responsibilities, providing a glimpse into his life beyond the spotlight.
Lil Rel Howery [21:06]: "So like, yeah, I'm a lot like the chief character because of that."
Michael Costa [22:05]: "I fell off a curb two days ago. I sprained my Ankle."
The episode wraps up with a humorous "Moment of Zen," satirizing hypothetical restrictions on Trump supporters enjoying Mexican cuisine. Hosts remind listeners to explore more content across the "Daily Show" podcast universe and promote upcoming segments.
Ronny Chieng [27:22]: "If you voted for Trump, you are not allowed in Mexico. No tacos, no enchiladas."
Michael Costa [27:24]: "Explore more shows from the Daily Show podcast universe by searching the Daily Show."
Key Takeaways:
Political Satire: The episode provides sharp critiques of both the Trump and Biden administrations, focusing on policy decisions and their real-world implications.
Social Commentary: Discussions on transgender rights in the military and the consequences of political pardons highlight ongoing societal debates.
Sports and Pop Culture Fusion: The integration of Taylor Swift's personal life with major sports events underscores the interconnectivity of different entertainment sectors.
Personal Stories: Lil Rel Howery's insights into therapy and balancing personal and professional life add depth to the episode, offering listeners relatable content amidst the satire.
Overall, this episode combines humor with incisive commentary, engaging listeners with a blend of current events, sports, and personal narratives.